Darts aim for Pacific Games inclusion

DARTS enthusiasts from around the Pacific are expected to meet in January to discuss a way forward and also the possible inclusion of the sport in the Pacific Games. Papua New Guinea Dart Federation president John Kuaru told The National that the dart delegations from Pacific Island nations would meet to discuss this agenda which will be at Pacific Meet Dart Championships in Port Vila, Vanuatu, next year. Kuaru received an invitation from interim Oceania Dart Federation secretariat to attend the championships. He said the event would provide an opportunity for darts players to represent the country at the Pacific Games in the future. “I know PNG players are naturally talented and the inclusion of darts in the Pacific Games would help PNG win more medals” Kuaru said the Pacific tournament was not part of the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu which is in November. The Pacific Games executive director Andrew Minogue clarified and confirmed with The National that darts was not listed in the Games Charter. He, however said to get darts included, the Pacific Games Charter needs six playing countries affiliated to an Oceania or the world dart body to qualify for inclusion. He urged all the local associations to attend the national championships in Alotau from Sept 8-17 in order to be eligible for selection to Pacific Meet challenge. Two venues have been secured championships they are the Cameron Club and the Airways Hotel. Associations sould contact Terence Soba for details on accommodation on 71862709 or Heisy Miller on 70170227 for transport information they could contact Joyce Soba on 71461273.